Overview

• Emmanuel Macron inaugurated the cathedral’s north and south towers, clearing the way for public climbs of the 424 steps beginning this weekend.
• Tower visits last about 45 minutes on a set route, with €16 tickets sold online and a maximum of 19 visitors at any one time.
• Demand was immediate as tickets for the first two days sold out in 24 minutes.
• The €700 million, donor-funded rebuild drew on 1,200 oak trees and about 1,000 workers and overcame lead contamination, Covid delays and a 2023 leadership loss.
• Restoration continues on other parts of the monument, with the eastern apse identified as the next major focus.